Sequoyah and His Talking Leaves: A Play about the Cherokee Syllabary (Setting the Stage for Fluency) - Softcover

Coleman, Wim; Perrin, Pat

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1939656354 ISBN 13: 9781939656353

Publisher: Red Chair Press, 2014

Synopsis

In the early 1800s, white settlers and missionaries were intent on bringing the English language to the illiterate Native Americans. Sequoyah was intrigued by these leaves of paper with strange marks that talked. Doing what no one had ever done before, Sequoyah set about creating a written Cherokee language―helping preserve the tribe's history and culture even today.

About this title

About the Author:

Wim Coleman has written more than 100 books with his wife. For 13 years he lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where he created and managed a scholarship program for at-risk youth.

Pat Perrin has written more than 100 books with her husband. For 13 years she lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where she created and managed a scholarship program for at-risk youth.

Siri Weber Feeney drew in books, on walls, and on the piano as a child. Now, she's drawing and designing projects she's been asked to do―which are all more fun than drawing on the piano.

Review:

"Sequoyah's invention of a written Cherokee language is retold as a short stage play. Prolific nonfiction writers and husband-and-wife team Coleman and Perrin re-create the story of Native American metalsmith Sequoyah, who, fascinated by the white man's 'talking leaves,' fashions a syllabary (not an alphabet) despite the misgivings of some of his people. One of a series of plays based on historical events, biographies and folklore, Sequoyah's story is narrated by a Greek chorus of two historians who point out what is fact and what is supposition. Twelve other characters, including members of Sequoyah's family and Cherokee conjurors, talk out the tale through 10 scenes and an epilogue with minimal stage direction. The retelling respects all of its characters and never descends into didacticism. The script should be easy to stage; however, Feeney's attractive pastel illustrations complement the dialogue nicely, creating a hybrid picture book/script. An introduction and dramatis personae, glossary and further reading with websites extend the book's usefulness. Follow the Drinking Gourd, from the same authorial team and illustrated by Courtney A. Martin, publishes simultaneously. Apt for newly independent readers or as a classroom read-aloud or even a school play." ―Kirkus Reviews

(Journal)

About this edition

• Publisher: Red Chair Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1939656354
• ISBN 13: 9781939656353
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Feeney Siri Weber